Median pay
$41,600
Median annual pay for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Production
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
10-year growth
-13.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
2,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
31,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
-4,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Monitoring
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Critical Thinking
- 5Speaking
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Production and Processing
- 2Mathematics
- 3Chemistry
- 4English Language
- 5Mechanical
- 6Engineering and Technology
Abilities
- 1Control Precision
- 2Near Vision
- 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
- 4Manual Dexterity
- 5Oral Comprehension
- 6Problem Sensitivity
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Artistic
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Stress Tolerance
- 5Integrity
- 6Perseverance
Work activities
- 1Handling and Moving Objects
- 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 5Controlling Machines and Processes
- 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Work context
- 1Time Pressure
- 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 3Exposed to Contaminants
- 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- 6Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Representative tasks
- Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
- Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
- Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
- Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
- Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
- Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
- Maintain production records.
- Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
Software and tools
Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyHazardous materials management HMS softwareOracle Advanced Procurement
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.